In a landmark ruling, Liberia’s Supreme Court has declared the election of Representative Richard Koon as Speaker of the House of Representatives unconstitutional, effectively nullifying all legislative actions taken under his leadership. The decision, delivered on Wednesday, resolves a months-long political standoff that had plunged the Legislature into chaos, with two competing factions holding parallel sessions and passing conflicting laws.
The Court’s ruling came in response to an amended Bill of Information filed by House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and his allies, who argued that Koon and his so-called “majority bloc” had flagrantly violated the Supreme Court’s December 6, 2024, judgment on legislative procedures.
The justices were unequivocal in their decision, reaffirming that only the constitutionally elected Speaker, or, in their absence, the Deputy Speaker, could lawfully preside over legislative sessions.
“Speaker Koffa was never absent,” the Court emphasized. “Therefore, neither the Deputy Speaker nor any other representative had the legal authority to conduct plenary sessions in his place. Any actions taken by the so-called majority bloc were unconstitutional and without legal effect.”
The ruling invalidates key decisions made by Koon’s faction, including the controversial passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 national budget, which the Court described as “recklessly endangering the full credit and credibility of the government.”
The political crisis erupted when Koon’s faction, claiming a majority, attempted to oust Speaker Koffa and install its own leadership. This led to two competing legislative sessions, one led by Koffa and another by Koon, each claiming legitimacy.
The Supreme Court condemned this division, stating that “parallel settings lack any legal foundation” and warning that such actions “pose the risk of undermining the democratic and law-abiding culture” of Liberia.
During oral arguments, the justices pressed Koon’s legal team on Speaker Koffa’s whereabouts during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. When the lawyers admitted Koffa was “in another room” within the Capitol Building, the Court ruled this did not justify bypassing constitutional protocol.
The Court also found that Koon’s bloc had engaged in multiple unlawful acts, including:
- Withholding salaries and benefits from lawmakers aligned with Koffa,
- Authorizing questionable disbursements of public funds,
- Forcibly seizing the Speaker’s office, and
- Attempting to recall Liberia’s ECOWAS representatives without legal basis.
“These actions were deliberate violations of the Court’s prior rulings,” the justices stated, “and must not stand.”
The Court also dismissed an opinion from Liberia’s Attorney General, which had sought to legitimize Koon’s bloc. The justices clarified that while the Attorney General may advise the Executive Branch, such opinions cannot override Supreme Court rulings.
Legal analysts have hailed the decision as a critical intervention to restore order in Liberia’s Legislature. By reaffirming the constitutional roles of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Court has drawn a clear line against legislative anarchy.
“Failure to abide by the Constitution is repugnant to our fundamental law,” the justices warned. “Such disregard exposes the nation to lawlessness.”
The Supreme Court has ordered Koon’s bloc to cease all unconstitutional actions and comply with its interpretation of Articles 33 and 49 of Liberia’s Constitution. The ruling effectively reinstates Speaker Koffa’s authority and nullifies all laws passed by the rival faction.
As the dust settles, the decision serves as a stern reminder that no political maneuver can override Liberia’s constitutional order. For now, the Legislature must return to lawful proceedings, or risk further judicial rebuke.
